The Thirty-Fourth Meeting of the Committee was held in Kyiv on 13-14 October 2009. The members discussed Draft Report and Draft Recommendation on “Rational management of Natural Resources in the Black Sea Region: Enhancement of Legislative Framework”.

The members of the Committee stressed that in the context of depletion and scarcity of natural resources their rational management is an essential prerequisite to sustainable socioeconomic progress. The parliamentarians advocated the use of innovative means to contribute to the rational management of natural resources and to achieve healthier landscapes and long-term economic prosperity with due regard to common and different responsibilities and capabilities, as well as to specific national and regional development priorities. It was underlined that natural resources are to be preserved, developed and managed through strengthened regional, national and local capacities. It was further acknowledged that rational and sustainable use of natural resources is a critical part of ensuring a high standard of living for the peoples in the region and beyond.

The Committee endorsed the proposals to the PABSEC Rules of Procedure adopted by consensus at the Meeting of the Working Group on the Rules of Procedure and forwarded them to the Standing Committee for approval. The Committee also took note of the results of the latest BSEC meetings. The Committee elected Mr. Mehmet Sevigen Vice-Chairman of the Committee for two years’ term.